Travel a short distance south of Liverpool’s city centre and you’ll find this expansive and historic park. Spanning 95 hectares (235 acres), Sefton Park is one of the largest green spaces in the city and dates back to the 15th century. The early park was part of the sprawling deer park that once encompassed the area. The current park’s landscape was designed and constructed in 1872. The scenic circular paths that wind around the lake in the park’s centre are owed to a French landscape architect who won a design competition for re-imagining the park. Sefton Park is an ideal spot for picnicking by the lake, wandering through the warm palm house or watching a series of open-air performances.

To make the most of a day exploring in Sefton Park, bring a picnic rug, a camera and some comfortable shoes. Discover the park’s meandering walkways that often lead off onto hidden paths, allowing you to explore the park from different angles. See locals making the most of the green space, jogging in groups or with team mates from local sporting clubs or wandering on the green. Catch a game of Sunday cricket or an amateur soccer match in the evenings.

The park’s pride and joy is a 3-hectare (7.4 acre) lake in its centre. The lake was once a popular spot for locals to go boating, but is now reserved for the local waterbirds. Toss some birdseed to the ducks or climb up the hill to enjoy your picnic with a stunning vista over the lake. There are also two cafés located within the park, where you can enjoy some English tea and cakes.

The 19th-century palm house has a diverse collection of leafy palm species and other plants. See statues of notable figures in history, such as Christopher Columbus, Charles Darwin and Captain James Cook, on each of the palm house’s eight corners.

Sefton Park can be reached via metro to St Michael’s Station. The park’s lake is just 15-minutes’ walk from here. Parking is available on the streets adjacent to the park. The park is open every day and there is no charge to enter.